Grand Mercure Sapporo Odori Park

The development of Sapporo as the capital of Hokkaido began in 1869, with the help of many foreign experts, engineers and educators. "The Clock Tower" was built in 1878 and is therefore regarded as both a historical and cultural symbol of Sapporo. The Clock Tower was originally called "Embujo" - meaning a 'military drill hall' - and served as a drill hall for the Sapporo Agricultural College (currently Hokkaido University), which was the first institution for Agricultural Studies in Japan.